Northwest Outings

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Fishing Blog

River fishing might not be spectacular, but it’s not bad 10/22

Outdoors Blog

Class offers valuable chance to learn about area birds 09/18

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Outdoors Column

Chester Allen

Autumnal beauty at end of the line 11/03

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Outdoors Reporter

Chester Allen
360-754-4226
callen@theolympian.com

Weekend Getaway: Federation Forest State Park

What: Federation Forest State Park has 619 acres of old-growth Douglas firs and 121/2 miles of hiking trails. There are picnic areas in the forest and on the White River. There is an interpretive center in the park, three interpretive trails and an amphitheater.
Hike of the week: BIG FOUR ICE CAVES

Hike description: The pesky storms of 2006 took out the bridge over the South Fork Stillaguamish River and cut off access to the Big Four Ice Caves. With its replacement in June, this trail is again available for a fun family outing. The ice caves are at the base of Big Four Mountain, so named because, when conditions are right, the shape of the numeral “4” is visible on a snowfield high up on the eastern face of the mountain. Unfortunately you’ll be too close to the mountain to see the number on this trip.
Weekend Getaway: BOULDER CAVE

What: Boulder Cave is the perfect Halloween weekend getaway. Not only does the cave draw hikers, but it also is popular with bats. In fact, it draws so many bats - about 65 each winter - that the cave is closed to hikers Nov. 1 to April 1 to protect the creatures. The trail to the cave is 1.5 miles roundtrip. There also is ample camping opportunities in the area.
Hike of the week: CARBON RIVER RAIN FOREST LOOP TRAIL

Hike description: This is a great outing for families with small children. If you're entertaining visiting guests who don't have the time or inclination to get deeper into Mount Rainier National Park, this trail provides a great introduction to the wonder in our backyard.
Weekend Getaway: Dawg Dash

What: While the University of Washington football team is out of town playing Arizona State this weekend, there will still be plenty of activity at Husky Stadium. The stadium is site of the Dawg Dash. Run 5 or 10 kilometers or choose the 5-kilometer walk. The course winds through the UW campus.
Hike of the week: Carbon Glacier Viewpoint From Ipsut Camp

Hike description: This popular family hike is easily accessed from the Ipsut Creek Backcountry Camp. The November 2006 storms changed the Carbon River Road into trail. The 51/2-mile trail to Ipsut Creek is a combination of the old road and new trail designed to accommodate both hikers and mountain bikers. Is it worth the effort? Yes.
Weekend Getaway: Walk Puyallup

What: Puyallup Parks and Recreation and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department have developed a walking guide to Puyallup called "Walk the Valley."
Hike of the week: Buckhorn Lake No. 840 and No. 945

Hike description: This trip has woods, water, and views. You’ll start at the Tubal Cain trailhead and hike in through second growth forest, along a scree slope, across some bridges and shallow water crossings.
Hike of the Week: Mount Townsend South Face

Hike description: This is one of those mountains that can be climbed by most anyone in fairly decent shape.
Weekend Getaway: KITSAP COLOR CLASSIC

What: This popular ride sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club signals the end of the club’s organized ride season. The ride offers routes ranging in distance from 14 to 64 miles. The course is hilly in some areas, but there are loops suitable for most riders. On the 64-mile loop, 23 miles are uphill on a route that gains 3,597 feet.